Perkins Non-Traditional Employment and Training Grant

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges administers the Perkins Non-Traditional Employment and Training Grant as part of its broader portfolio of Perkins Leadership funding. This grant is rooted in the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which supports the development of career and technical education programs aligned with workforce needs. The SBCTC serves as the state-level coordinating body for Washington’s community and technical college system and is responsible for distributing federal and state workforce education funds to improve access, equity, and outcomes across programs. The primary purpose of this grant is to increase enrollment, retention, and completion of students in non-traditional career and technical education fields. Non-traditional fields are defined as occupations in which one gender comprises less than 25 percent of the workforce. The program focuses on addressing gender disparities in high-demand fields such as technology, manufacturing, and other emerging industries. Projects funded through this grant must demonstrate measurable outcomes that improve participation and success rates for underrepresented genders in these programs. Funding for the grant is derived from a combination of federal Perkins allocations and state leadership funds. For the 2026-27 cycle, total funding available is approximately 100000 dollars. Funds must be used for allowable activities that directly support career and technical education programs, including staff salaries related to program delivery, goods and services necessary for program implementation, professional development, and limited travel expenses. Funds cannot be used for administrative overhead, general institutional expenses, construction, or equipment that does not directly support programmatic outcomes. All expenditures must be necessary, reasonable, and compliant with federal cost principles. Eligibility for this grant is limited to Washington state community and technical colleges as defined by state law. Applicants must submit proposals through the Online Grant Management System and demonstrate how their project aligns with Perkins objectives. Applications must include detailed descriptions of planned activities, measurable outcomes, and strategies for improving non-traditional participation. Collaboration with industry partners, labor organizations, and other educational institutions is encouraged to enhance project impact. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal by April 16, 2026 for priority consideration. Applications are reviewed by SBCTC staff, and feedback may be provided for revisions. Final funding decisions are typically made by late June, with a projected start date of July 1, 2026. If funds remain available, additional applications may be accepted until November 30, 2026. Applicants must ensure all submissions are complete and submitted through the designated system. Awardees are subject to ongoing monitoring and reporting requirements. A final report must be submitted by June 30, 2027, detailing project outcomes and performance against stated goals. Financial reporting is conducted on a reimbursement basis, with strict invoicing deadlines throughout the grant period. The grant performance period runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, and all funds must be expended within this timeframe. Program oversight includes compliance with federal regulations, including cost principles, civil rights requirements, and reporting standards. SBCTC may conduct monitoring visits and audits to ensure adherence to grant terms. Contacts for program administration include Kimberly Ingram and William Belden, who provide guidance on programmatic and policy questions. The grant is expected to recur annually as part of ongoing Perkins funding cycles.

Clearly define measurable outcomes for increasing non-traditional participation; align project activities with workforce needs; ensure budget justification is detailed and compliant; collaborate with industry partners